Joy Monahan (Oahu, HAW), 22, became the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s World Longboard Champion today after winning the Roxy Jam event at La Cote des Basques in Biarritz. Monahan, who defeated runner-up Chelsea Williams (Gold Coast, AUS) in an exciting 30-minute final, posted a solid 14.10 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) to secure her first world crown in front of a cheering crowd. 

Monahan, who placed 9th in 2006 and 5th in 2007, stepped up this week to seize the prestigious Roxy ASP Women’s World Championships and become the first Hawaiian female World Longboard Champion.

"I am super stoked, I cannot believe I won the championship", Monahan said. "Chelsea is one of the best surfers in the world and it was one of the most difficult heats to win. I got good waves and was very focused for the win."

Monahan, who defeated reigning ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion Jennifer Smith (USA) in Semifinal No. 1, was unstoppable in the last heat of the event putting together strong combinations of classical turns and modern style re-entries in the two foot (0.5 meter) contestable conditions.

"I was very surprised to defeat Jennifer (Smith) in the semi-finals", Monahan said. "I had a great week in Biarritz and it ends up perfectly. It is like a dream coming true and it is great to bring this world title home. So stoked."

With Carissa Moore (HAW) winning the ASP Grade-2 Pro Junior and Joy Monahan (HAW) the Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships, Hawaiians dominated the 2008 Roxy Jam and will be back next year to defend their respective titles.

Chelsea Williams (AUS), 22, who was a favorite towards a possible ASP World title in Biarritz, finishes runner-up of the 2008 edition and betters her 2007 equal 3rd. Williams, who was the last Australian representative in the event, was a standout throughout the Roxy ASP WWLC  and posted two of the best three heat scores of the event including an impressive 15.00 point result to defeat Leah Dawson (USA).

"I  won most of the heat, but Joy got two good ones in the dying seconds", Williams said. "I tried to take the bigger waves at the very end but it was not enough. I am still happy with my result and hope I can do better next year."

Jennifer Smith (Ca, USA), reigning ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion, was stopped in the Semifinals by Monahan, forgetting her second consecutive title hopes. Smith, who was one of the event’s top scorers with a solid 14.75 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) obtained in Round 4, was not able to counter Monahan’s assault.

"I guess I cannot win everything but I definitely enjoyed this contest", Smith said. "I will come back next year and try again. I was here for a repeat but Joy (Monahan) is an amazing surfer. She really deserves to be crowned champion."

Leah Dawson (USA), other semifinalist of the Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships, secured her best result to date with an equal 3rd. Dawson, who placed equal 9th in 2007, created the upset of the final day when she defeated French favorite and 2007 ASP Women’s World Tour No. 2 Justine Dupont in the Quarterfnals in a close heat.

Dupont, 16, who placed 3rd in the ASP Grade-2 Roxy Pro Junior Tuesday, lost by 0.90 points and was disappointed with the result.

"I am very disappointed because I surfed this morning before the event and I was confident", Dupont said. "I think I was not patient enough to wait for the better waves and a bit tired after  my performance in the final of Roxy Pro Junior yesterday."

The Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships will be back next year at the beautiful beach of La Cote des Basques in Biarritz.

Final of the Roxy Jam:

Heat : Joy Monahan (HAW) 14.10 pts Def. Chelsea Williams (AUS) 13.50

Source: ASP World Tour